I’ll leave the political analysis to others (mainly). I’d like to speak personally for a second. And I should link to my usual disclosure, made last summer: here.
Two seconds ago, Ted was sleeping on my couch, with his cowboy boots to the side. We talked about politics, and the world, and dreamed a bit.
A second and a half ago, he tried to run for state attorney general. But, owing to odd events, the position did not come open at that time.
A second ago, he threw his hat in for the U.S. Senate. The favorite in the race was the lieutenant governor, who was very wealthy, and self-funded, and had the support of virtually the entire state establishment.
A half a second ago, Ted won that race. Yes, in his first campaign for political office — any office — he was elected to the U.S. Senate. From the second most populous state, where there were many senior politicians in line ahead of him, pulsing with ambition (and entitlement).
And now he has won the first contest in the present presidential election.
Even if he did nothing more — which is unlikely — this is terribly impressive. Love him or loathe him — and I’m certainly in the former camp — he has put on an amazing rise.
I see by Twitter and whatnot that Iowa is already being spun as a win for Rubio or whatever. That’s fine. There are people who would rather swallow cyanide than credit Ted with anything.
But I myself am agog at what he has done. Nice goin’, Ted. See you soon.